This
study focused on the development and evaluation of a polyherbal hair gel
formulated using natural ingredientsâcurry leaves, wheat, flaxseed, and aloe
veraâas a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic hair gels for
managing scalp and hair issues such as dandruff, hair fall, and dryness. The
herbal components were extracted through specific methods: maceration for curry
leaves, aqueous extraction for wheat, hydrothermal extraction for flaxseed
mucilage, and cold-process extraction for aloe vera gel. Phytochemical screening
confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as alkaloids,
flavonoids, and saponins. The gel was formulated using a Carbopol 940 base
combined with the herbal extracts, along with glycerin, triethanolamine, and
sodium benzoate. Evaluation parameters included pH, viscosity, spreadability,
homogeneity, washability, extrudability, thermal stability at 25°C and 4°C, and
antimicrobial activity against common scalp pathogens. The final formulation
exhibited optimal physicochemical characteristicsâpH of 6.97, viscosity ranging
from 31,400 to 40,200 cps, and good spreadability (13.11 gâ¢cm/s). It showed no
signs of skin irritation and maintained excellent stability under both
temperature conditions. The gel demonstrated significant antimicrobial and antifungal
activity against Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus aureus,
attributed to the presence of therapeutic phytochemicals like mahanimbine,
omega-3 fatty acids, and acemannan. Overall, the polyherbal gel proved to be a
safe, stable, and multifunctional product with moisturizing, anti-dandruff, and
hair-strengthening properties, offering a sustainable, chemical-free
alternative to conventional hair care products.
